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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Nikki Gil's inspiring post about thesis defense resonates with fans

Nikki Gil's inspiring post about thesis defense resonates with fans

Published Jul 20, 2026 05:18 pm

At A Glance

  • Former actress and TV host Nikki Gil marks a major milestone after successfully defending her thesis, inspiring Filipinos who dream of returning to school years later.

Former actress and TV host Nikki Gil is once again winning over fans, this time not as an actress or singer but as a student.

Nikki recently shared on Instagram that she had successfully defended her thesis for her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design degree at the SoFA Design Institute, earning praise from followers who admired her determination to pursue a new passion years after stepping away from the entertainment industry.

She is proud of the accomplishment too, as based on her post.

"A little proud of this one," Nikki wrote alongside photos documenting her thesis journey.

"Proof to myself that I can still do hard things. Last time I used this part of my brain was 17 years ago lol."

Many fans applauded Nikki for proving that learning has no age limit, with others saying her story inspired them to keep pursuing their own goals despite the demands of work, family, and everyday life.

Nikki also thanked her thesis advisers for encouraging her to pursue a topic she genuinely cared about.

"So grateful to my thesis advisers for encouraging me to write about something I genuinely care about. And to @roberta815, @patch_feliciano_uy and T. Jojo Nepomuceno... for so generously sharing their time, expertise and insight," she wrote.

Her thesis focuses on designing ADHD-friendly classrooms to create learning spaces better suited for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The former MYX VJ likewise expressed gratitude to the people who supported her throughout the process as she balanced school with family life.

"To my village, thank you for keeping everything together while I disappeared into this. And through all of it, thank You, Lord. Nearing the finish line!"

Among the photos she shared was a touching moment with her daughter, Maddie, who kept her company while she worked on her thesis.

"Her royal highness keeping me company while I worked," Nikki wrote.

She also shared a lighthearted glimpse into her preparations, joking that her husband, businessman BJ Albert, served as the "super strict panelist" during her mock thesis defense.

"Mock defense with my super strict panelist. Hirap bolahin," she quipped.

Before becoming a familiar face on Philippine television as a singer, actress, host, and MYX VJ, Nikki earned a degree in English Literature from Ateneo de Manila University in 2009.

Years later, she decided to return to school, this time to pursue interior design, quietly embracing a new chapter while focusing on life as a wife and mother.

Related Tags

Nikki Gil Nikki Gil thesis Nikki Gil interior design Nikki Gil education SoFA Design Institute BJ Albert MYX VJ
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